Oyster Restoration Team Disney Hero

recognized for passion & dedication

ABOVE VIDEO:Since 1995, the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fundhas awarded $20 million to conservation projects in 112 countries to protect wildlife, ecosystems and the communities so closely linked to their survival.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund (DWCF) has announced the Mosquito Lagoon Oyster Restoration team as a Disney Conservation Hero.

The Mosquito Lagoon Oyster Restoration team is comprised of Jody Palmer, Linda Walters, Paul Sacks, Kirk Fusco and more than 36,000 volunteers who have assisted throughout the years. The team was one of only fourteen recipients this year. (Brevard Zoo image)

The team was recognized for their passion and dedication to protecting wildlife and the waterways on the east coast of Florida.

The Mosquito Lagoon Oyster Restoration team is comprised of Jody Palmer, Linda Walters, Paul Sacks, Kirk Fusco and more than 36,000 volunteers who have assisted throughout the years. The team was one of only fourteen recipients this year.

They were nominated for their efforts in an ongoing collaborative oyster reef restoration project in the Indian River Lagoon, the most biologically diverse estuary in the continental United States.

The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund works to save species and habitats and to connect kids to nature to help develop lifelong conservation values.

Jody Palmer

“We are so proud of the Oyster Restoration team and the work that they have done to help our lagoon,” said Keith Winsten, executive director of Brevard Zoo.

“This kind of community-based conservation work is especially important in light of the recent environmental challenges facing the Indian River Lagoon. We all want to preserve this special place to boat, fish and play – so we should all play an active role in keeping it healthy.”

Disney Conservation Heroes receive an award medal, recognition certificate and cash award that is shared with their nominating organization.

ABOUT DWCF

The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund annually invites non-profit organizations who have received conservation funding in the past to nominate individuals in communities around the world for their incredible conservation efforts.

he Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund works to save species and habitats and to connect kids to nature to help develop lifelong conservation values. To date, DWCF has granted more than $20 million to support conservation programs in 112 countries.

Since 2004, Disney has honored 85 Conservation Heroes.

The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund works to save species and habitats and to connect kids to nature to help develop lifelong conservation values.

To date, DWCF has granted more than $20 million to support conservation programs in 112 countries.

Projects chosen for funding must address a critical conservation need, contribute solid field science and incorporate community conservation education and engagement.

Brevard Zoo is a not-for-profit organization and a leader in wildlife conservation and education. The Zoo is home to more than 650 animals representing more than 165 species located in Florida, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia and accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

The Zoo features many extraordinary animal experiences including giraffe and lorikeet feedings, African kayak tours, paddle boats in the wetlands and a train ride. Brevard Zoo is a not-for-profit organization accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. (Brevard Zoo image)

The Zoo features many extraordinary animal experiences including giraffe and lorikeet feedings, African kayak tours, paddle boats in the wetlands and a train ride.

Brevard Zoo is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The last admission is at 4:15 p.m. Treetop Trek is open daily at 9 a.m. The last admission is 3:30 p.m. for the Treetop Challenge Course and 4 p.m. for the Canopy Walk and Chutes and Ladders courses. Parking is always free.

Twenty-five cents of every admission to Brevard Zoo supports the Zoo’s conservation projects through Quarters for Conservation. Group discounts and adventure packaging are available.

Brevard Zoo and Treetop Trek are a half-mile east of I-95 at exit 191 on Wickham Road in Melbourne – 25 minutes from the Melbourne International Airport and 45 minutes from the Orlando International Airport.